"Mill-pool?" he echoed, looking at her in perplexity.

She sighed and stared sadly down at the forget-me-nots.

"You wouldn't understand: you'd think I was hysterical and stupid."

Silently they left the island, and silently for some time they floated down the stream: then Pauline tossed her head bravely.

"Love's rather cruel in a way."

Guy looked aghast.

"Pauline, you don't regret falling in love with me?"

"No, of course not, of course not. Oh, I love you more than I can say."

When Guy's arms were round her again, Pauline thought that love could be as cruel as he chose; she did not care for his cruelty.

July